Ground cover flower plants are the secret to a vibrant, low-maintenance garden. They spread quickly, suppress weeds, and add year-round color and texture—perfect for filling bare spots, slopes, or shady areas.
Key Takeaways
- Ground cover flower plants reduce lawn maintenance: They naturally crowd out weeds and reduce the need for mowing and watering.
- They enhance garden beauty year-round: Many bloom in spring and summer, while others offer evergreen foliage or fall color.
- Ideal for challenging areas: Perfect for slopes, shady spots, or poor soil where grass struggles to grow.
- Low-growing and spreading: These plants typically stay under 12 inches tall and spread via runners, rhizomes, or seeds.
- Support pollinators and biodiversity: Flowering varieties attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Choose based on sunlight and soil: Match the plant to your garden’s conditions—full sun, partial shade, or full shade.
- Easy to install and maintain: Most require minimal care once established, making them beginner-friendly.
📑 Table of Contents
What Are Ground Cover Flower Plants?
Ground cover flower plants are low-growing, spreading plants that form a living carpet across your garden beds, slopes, or borders. Unlike traditional lawns, these plants offer a burst of color, texture, and seasonal interest while serving practical purposes like erosion control and weed suppression. They’re perfect for filling in gaps between stepping stones, under trees, or along pathways where grass won’t thrive.
These versatile plants come in a wide range of forms—some bloom profusely in spring, others offer evergreen foliage, and many do both. Whether you’re dealing with a sunny hillside or a shady corner under a large tree, there’s a ground cover flower plant suited to your needs. Best of all, they require far less maintenance than traditional grass, saving you time and effort while boosting your garden’s curb appeal.
Why Choose Ground Cover Flowers Over Grass?
Many gardeners are ditching traditional lawns in favor of ground cover flower plants—and for good reason. Grass demands frequent mowing, watering, fertilizing, and pest control. In contrast, ground covers grow slowly, spread naturally, and often thrive in conditions where grass fails.
Environmental Benefits
Ground cover plants help prevent soil erosion, especially on slopes or hillsides. Their dense root systems hold soil in place during heavy rains. They also improve soil health by adding organic matter as leaves decompose. Plus, they reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, making them a greener choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
Lower Maintenance
Once established, most ground cover flower plants need little more than occasional watering and light pruning. No mowing required! This makes them ideal for busy homeowners or those looking to reduce their outdoor chores. They also stay green longer in drought conditions, especially native or drought-tolerant varieties.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
Unlike a plain lawn, ground covers offer visual interest throughout the seasons. Imagine a garden path lined with blooming creeping phlox in spring, followed by vibrant sedum in summer and golden ajuga in fall. These plants create layers of color and texture that transform your outdoor space into a lush, inviting retreat.
Top Ground Cover Flower Plants for Sun
If your garden gets plenty of sunlight, you’re in luck—many stunning ground cover flower plants thrive in full sun. These varieties love warmth and bright light, producing abundant blooms and vibrant foliage.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
This fragrant, low-growing herb forms a dense mat of tiny leaves and produces clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers in summer. Creeping thyme is perfect for between pavers or in rock gardens. It’s drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and releases a lovely scent when stepped on. Plant it in well-drained soil and enjoy a carpet of color that doubles as a culinary herb.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Known for its spectacular spring display, creeping phlox bursts into a sea of pink, purple, blue, or white flowers. It grows just 6 inches tall and spreads up to 2 feet, making it ideal for slopes or garden borders. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and returns reliably year after year.
Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)
Stonecrop, or sedum, is a succulent ground cover that thrives in hot, dry conditions. Varieties like ‘Angelina’ offer golden foliage that turns orange in fall, while ‘Autumn Joy’ produces late-summer blooms that attract butterflies. Sedum is virtually indestructible—perfect for beginners or low-water gardens.
Best Ground Cover Flowers for Shade
Shady areas can be tricky to landscape, but several ground cover flower plants flourish where grass won’t grow. These shade-loving varieties add life and color to under-trees, north-facing beds, or areas blocked by buildings.
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Also called bugleweed, ajuga forms a dense, weed-smothering carpet with glossy green, bronze, or purple foliage. In spring, it sends up spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers that attract pollinators. Ajuga tolerates heavy foot traffic and grows well in partial to full shade. It’s fast-spreading, so plant it where you want quick coverage.
Lamium (Lamium maculatum)
Lamium, or spotted dead nettle, features silvery-striped leaves and delicate pink, white, or purple flowers in spring and summer. It’s an excellent choice for shady borders or woodland gardens. Lamium spreads moderately and is resistant to deer and rabbits. Its variegated foliage adds brightness even on cloudy days.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
This charming perennial emits a sweet, hay-like fragrance when dried and produces clusters of tiny white flowers in late spring. Sweet woodruff thrives in deep shade and moist, rich soil—ideal for under trees or in cottage gardens. It spreads slowly via rhizomes and makes a lovely ground cover in formal or informal settings.
Ground Cover Flowers for Slopes and Erosion Control
Slopes and hillsides are prone to erosion, especially after heavy rain. Ground cover flower plants with strong root systems can stabilize the soil while adding beauty to challenging terrain.
Ice Plant (Delosperma spp.)
Ice plant is a drought-tolerant succulent that produces daisy-like flowers in vibrant shades of pink, orange, yellow, and purple. It spreads quickly, forming a thick mat that holds soil in place. Ice plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for sunny slopes or coastal gardens.
Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Periwinkle, or myrtle, is a fast-growing evergreen ground cover with glossy leaves and lavender-blue flowers in spring. It tolerates a range of soil types and spreads vigorously, making it excellent for erosion control. Be cautious—it can become invasive in some regions, so check local guidelines before planting.
Crown Vetch (Securigera varia)
This hardy perennial produces clusters of pink and white flowers and spreads rapidly via underground stems. Crown vetch is often used on highway embankments and large slopes due to its aggressive growth and erosion-fighting abilities. It prefers full sun and poor soil, thriving where other plants struggle.
Tips for Planting and Caring for Ground Cover Flowers
Success with ground cover flower plants starts with proper planting and ongoing care. Follow these practical tips to ensure your garden thrives.
Prepare the Soil
Clear the area of weeds, rocks, and debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of 6–8 inches and mix in compost to improve fertility and drainage. Most ground covers prefer well-drained soil, so avoid heavy clay unless amended.
Plant at the Right Time
Spring and early fall are the best times to plant ground covers. Cooler temperatures and consistent rainfall help plants establish strong roots before extreme heat or cold sets in.
Space Properly
Follow spacing guidelines on plant tags. Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and disease, while spacing too far apart slows coverage. For fast-spreading varieties like ajuga or creeping thyme, plant 6–12 inches apart.
Water and Mulch
Keep the soil moist during the first growing season to help plants establish. Once settled, most ground covers need only occasional watering. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it away from plant stems to prevent rot.
Prune and Divide
Trim back overgrown areas in early spring to encourage fresh growth. Every few years, divide aggressive spreaders like ajuga or periwinkle to control their size and rejuvenate the planting.
Conclusion
Ground cover flower plants are a smart, beautiful, and sustainable choice for any garden. They reduce maintenance, prevent erosion, and bring seasonal color and texture to spaces where grass won’t grow. Whether you’re filling a sunny slope, brightening a shady corner, or creating a pollinator-friendly border, there’s a ground cover perfect for your needs.
From fragrant creeping thyme to vibrant ice plant and shade-loving lamium, these plants offer endless possibilities for lush garden beauty. With proper planting and care, your ground cover will flourish year after year, transforming your outdoor space into a vibrant, low-maintenance oasis. So why wait? Start exploring the best ground cover flower plants today and watch your garden come alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest-growing ground cover flower plant?
Ajuga and periwinkle are among the fastest-growing ground cover flower plants, spreading quickly to form dense mats within one to two seasons. They’re ideal for large areas needing rapid coverage.
Can ground cover plants survive winter?
Yes, many ground cover flower plants are hardy and survive winter, especially native or cold-tolerant varieties like creeping phlox and sedum. Mulching in fall can help protect less hardy types.
Do ground cover flowers attract bees and butterflies?
Absolutely! Flowering ground covers like creeping thyme, ajuga, and ice plant produce nectar-rich blooms that attract pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and enhancing garden biodiversity.
Are ground cover plants invasive?
Some, like periwinkle and crown vetch, can be invasive in certain regions. Always check local invasive species lists and consider slower-spreading alternatives if needed.
How do I stop ground cover from taking over my garden?
Use physical barriers like edging or plant in contained areas. Regular pruning and dividing every few years also help control spread and maintain neat borders.
Can I walk on ground cover flower plants?
Some, like creeping thyme and ajuga, tolerate light foot traffic and are great for paths or between pavers. Avoid heavy use on delicate varieties like lamium or sweet woodruff.